Hot Tea Recipe

Boil water

Pour 2 cups (about 475 ml) cold fresh water into a small saucepan or kettle. Heat on medium-high until it reaches a rolling boil.

Pre-warm cup

While the water heats, pour a little hot water into your teacup to warm it, swirl briefly, then discard the warming water.

Add tea

Once the water is boiling, remove the kettle or saucepan from heat and let it sit for 10–20 seconds (this slightly cools the water to ~95–98°C). Place the tea bag or loose tea (in an infuser) into the warm cup or teapot.

Pour and steep

Pour the hot water over the tea bag or infuser. Steep according to taste: 3 minutes for a milder cup, 4–5 minutes for a standard-strength cup, and up to 6 minutes for a stronger brew. Avoid over-steeping more than 6 minutes to prevent bitterness.

Remove tea and add extras

Remove the tea bag or infuser and discard leaves. Stir in 1 tsp honey or sugar if desired. If using milk or cream, add 2 tablespoons and stir gently. For lemon, squeeze about 1/4 of a lemon into the cup and drop in the slice if using. If using a cinnamon stick or mint, add as garnish.

Taste and adjust

Taste the tea and adjust sweetness, milk, or lemon to your preference. Serve immediately while hot.